This species is endemic to Madagascar and up until recently it was presumed Extinct in the Wild; the last reports of the species had been from Lac Sarodrano, its type, and previously only known locality, dating from the late 1990s (de Rham and Nourissat 2002). Despite targeted surveys, no specimens had been collected from this area since. However, recent survey work in this region has resulted in the discovery of a remnant population of this fish in Lac Tseny (Andriafidison et al. 2011). Habitat degradation, the presence of invasive exotic species and overfishing and its highly restricted remaining distribution (EOO and AOO) account for its Critically Endangered status. Breeding populations of this species are maintained in captivity.

Endemic to Madagascar. Previously present in the flood plain lakes of the Bemarivo River, the major northwards-flowing tributary of the Sofia River in northwestern Madagascar. The species is now only known to occur in a single lake of that system: Lac Tseny.

No data are available on the wild population; previously it was thought to have disappeared from its native range, but more recent surveys rediscovered the species in Lac Tseny. Captive breeding populations exist in Europe and North America.

Historically this species has been threatened by over-fishing. Presently, the threats facing this species are habitat loss due to environmental degradation, and competition from and/or predation by exotic species.